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UCI Name British Mountain Bike World Cup Events Best Of Year

Posted October 21 2010

Dalby Forest and Fort William have been awarded the best cross country and downhill Mountain Bike World Cup rounds of the 2010 season by the UCI today.

The awards, voted for by teams, journalists, riders, UCI officials and sponsors take into account the overall event - including infrastructure, course quality and local facilities.

DALBY: BEST IN CLASS FOR CROSS COUNTRY
British Cycling, organisers of the opening round of the Cross Country Mountain Bike World Cup, invested two years and £200,000; building a course that would bring World Cup racing back to England for the first time in a decade - along with leaving a legacy for mountain biking in Yorkshire.

The Dalby weekender ended with a lasting impression, an amazing sprint finish to define the season

The event attracted crowds of over 10,000, was an unmitigated success and attracted praise from the UCI for a technical loop, perfect organisation and great media facilities.

As an addition to the already thriving Dalby Trail Centre, the World Cup Trail remains a permanent facility used week in, week out by mountain bikers from across Britain who can enjoy the same great ride as the pros experienced.

The Dalby Forest World Cup Trail was a hot favourite amongst the pros - find out why, ride it today!

And already, plans at British Cycling to create another historic event are taking shape for the 2011 races - including the return of the Pro Sprint Eliminator and Dalby Dare as Cycle Sport and Membership Director, Jonny Clay explains.

"The Dalby World Cup Weekend was a huge success this year - thanks to a great team I'm proud of working with at British Cycling, Welcome to Yorkshire, UK Sport, Forestry Commission England and Yorkshire Forward - all coming together to deliver a landmark event.

"Tickets for the 2011 event go on sale in November, with the World Cup returning to Dalby Forest on May 20-22. And we can't wait to welcome it back."

Dalby's Pro Sprint Eliminator filled the streets in 2010 and will be back for more

FORT WILLIAM: AN ALL TIME CLASSIC
Mike Jardine and Rare Event Management took the title for best Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup - for an extraordinary sixth time.

Steve Peat made dreams come true, wearing the Rainbow Jersey on home soil

Recognised as an all time classic event and moving in to its ninth year, the Highland experience is still an unbeatable one worldwide, attracting thousands of dedicated fans who make the trip north.

This year they were rewarded with great racing on a revised downhill course which pleased riders and already plans are underway for the 2011 event on June 5-6, which include an improved fourcross track, as Mike Jardine of Rare Event Management explains:

"It's great to receive this award once again as we put a lot of effort into course improvements this year, which were obviously appreciated - but the passionate crowds remain the special thing about Fort William - helping to create an atmosphere that everyone loves.

"These fans and the 150 plus team of dedicated colleagues at Rare Management, help make the World Cup happen and they are the real winners of this award. We've got more exciting plans for 2011 and we'll be trying harder than ever to deliver the best downhill and fourcross events in the World"

Gee Atherton took a popular home win on his way to the World Cup Series

Following the news, British Cycling's Chief Executive, Ian Drake was thrilled with what he described to be "awards which are further testimony to Britain's ability to host truly world-class events."

He went on to praise those on the ground for making both weekends a success.

"I'd like to thank everybody involved who helped make both events such a huge success, whilst paying a special tribute to Rare Management for Fort William, who for nine years have continually staged a fantastic event.

"We continue to work hard with stakeholders and partners to further improve the event at Dalby Forest in 2011, helping to deliver a legacy for cycling in the UK through to 2012 and beyond."

Gary Verity, Chief Executive at Welcome to Yorkshire, the County's Tourism Agency, said: "This is fantastic news and a well deserved award for everyone involved in bringing the World Cup to Yorkshire. Dalby Forest's award-winning course is now a must ride for biking fans across the world and we look forward to welcoming them to our beautiful county and sampling some of our award-winning hospitality."

Head of Major Events at UK Sport, Simon Morton, said: "It was a pleasure working with both British Cycling and Rare Event Management in staging these World Cup events and UK Sport is delighted they have been recognised as world class by the UCI.

"The volunteers and officials delivered two excellent events, providing a fantastic competition experience for both athletes and spectators, which is crucial as we prepare for a home Games in 2012."